Our neighbors lost three trees last week. Three beautiful, tall, shade-giving trees.

Storm damage revealed that the trees were dying and there was no choice but to remove them all.

Now there is a void, one that impacts the houses surrounding theirs, because the shade is no longer being provided.

The shade protected us and our plants from the intensity of the afternoon sun, allowing for reprieve. We may lose some of our shade-loving plants if a new spot cannot be found. Our yard is warmer now. We miss the trees.

No, these were not our trees, but we are impacted by their absence. Our neighbor’s loss is felt by us all.

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This experience made me reflect on other aspects of life where our actions impact others, for better or for worse, even if we’re unaware.

Especially on social media.

Especially to those we love.

When we leave a laughing reaction to someone’s post or comment that wasn’t intended to be funny.

When we make assumptions about them and treat them differently as a result.

When we ignore the important posts, the vulnerable ones that need our support or feedback.

When we talk about someone (gossip) and they can see it.

How do you feel in these situations when this happens to you? When you are laughed at, ignored, the subject of assumptions or gossip in a public setting?

Our actions (or the absence of them) have an impact, whether positive or negative.

How easily we forget.

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There is also a relationship between vulnerability and impact.

We are, of course, susceptible to hurt and pain when we choose to be vulnerable and open.

However, we often have the greatest impact when we are vulnerable and real. When we share our true selves.

Being vulnerable can be healing, both to ourselves and to others.

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As the poem I wrote recently stated, we all want to be remembered, included, loved. And that includes how we are treated (and treat others) on social media.

Whether or not you see the world through the same lens as someone else, consider how you respond.

Sometimes the small things (like reacting with a laughing face to a serious comment) hurt more than you realize.

Be willing to listen to understand, to remember that people are different and valuable and deserve our respect, especially when we disagree.

Be willing to admit that you were wrong – it’s so freeing! Changing our minds when presented with new information is not weakness, it is STRENGTH.

When we know better, we should do better.

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Change isn’t always pleasant, but it’s a necessary part of life.

The silver lining in losing those trees is an increased visibility of the sunset this time of year. While our yard is more vulnerable without the shade, it brings with it a new perspective, an added benefit.

Vulnerability does that.

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Let us be mindful of how our words, reactions, and comments may impact those we supposedly like and love.

Life is too short to do otherwise.